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enCONCACAF Champions League Wrap: Portland Timbers dumped outPortland Timbers were dumped out of the CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday, while Alajuelense snuck through.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-review-timbers-eliminated
The Timbers were beaten 3-1 by Olimpia at the Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino as the Hondurans narrowly advanced to the championship stage.
Both teams finished level on nine points and head-to-head goal difference from four games in Group Five.
But Olimpia claimed top spot due to the number of goals scored away from home head-to-head, which was two in the 4-2 loss in Portland last month.
Olimpia made a dream start to proceedings, scoring two goals in the opening four minutes.
Romell Quioto made the breakthrough in the second minute - firing a shot past Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson that hit the underside of the crossbar - before Anthony Lozano tapped in from close range two minutes later.
Portland struggled to create anything clear-cut in the first half but the visitors started strongly after the break.
Ben Zemanski found the back of the net seven minutes into the second half, albeit courtesy of a deflection.
Olimpia hit back immediately, however, with Lozano bagging his second of the match just two minutes later.
A draw against Cruz Azul was enough for Alajuelense to progress from Group Six.
Armando Alonso's second-minute opener was cancelled out by Gerardo Torrado six minutes later as Alajuelense were held to a 1-1 draw by their Mexican visitors.
But a point still done the job for the Costa Ricans, who finished one point above Cruz Azul.
At the Estadio Azteca, Liga MX pacesetters America won through to the next round.
Needing a win to guarantee their passage into knockout rounds, Mexico international Oscar Peralta scored twice as America accounted for Comunicaciones 2-0.
America topped Group Eight ahead of the Guatemalans, who were three points adrift.
Meanwhile, DC United went through the group stages with a 100 per cent record after edging Tauro in Panama.
Conor Shanosky's 24th-minute goal was all that separated the two teams as United made it four wins from four games.
news_articleWed, 22 Oct 2014 05:15:37 +0000272865 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: Porter wants Portland focusPortland Timbers coach Caleb Porter has urged his team to refocus ahead of their decisive CONCACAF Champions League fixture.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-porter-wants-portland-focus
The Timbers were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Real Salt Lake in the MLS on Friday as they attempt to qualify for the play-offs but have an equally important game on Tuesday when they travel to Honduras to play Olimpia.
Real goalkeeper Nick Rimando put in a man-of-the-match performance at Providence Park in Portland, denying the Timbers with a number of top-line saves.
The draw means Vancouver Whitecaps are in pole position to claim the fifth play-offs spot in the Western Conference ahead of Portland.
But with a draw in Tegucigalpa enough for Portland to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Porter has urged the Timbers to move on from their scoreless stalemate in the MLS.
"The guys gave everything they had, they left it all on the pitch," Porter told the Timbers' website after the draw with RSL.
"They couldn't have given anything more. We need to recover mentally and physically and we need to get our focus locked in on our next game, the Champions League game, and getting out of the group stage.
"That was my message to the guys. I was proud of them. Let's move on."
The Timbers lead Group Five on nine points having won all three games so far but with Olimpia on six, a loss to the Hondurans could see Portland miss out on the last eight.
Olimpia, however, would need to beat Portland by six goals as their goal difference (plus five) is significantly lower than that of Porter's side (plus 11).
Hector Vargas' Olimpia did test the Timbers in their visit to the United States in September though, coming from behind twice to be level at 2-2 at half-time, before the home team pulled away to win 4-2.
"We need to compartmentalise and move away from the league and get focused on getting a good result on the road against a very good Olimpia team," Porter said.
Reigning champions Cruz Azul must at least draw at Group Six leaders Alajuelense on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals.
Cruz Azul (plus two goal difference) trail Alajuelense (plus one) by one point.
Alajuelense have won six of their past seven games at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto with the other match ending in a draw, while Cruz Azul have lost three of their past four away matches in the Champions League.
Costa Rica's Herediano, Pachuca of Mexico, MLS side DC United and Montreal Impact of Canada have already secured a berth in the last eight - meaning Group One, Group Three, Group Four and Group Seven are already decided.
In Group Two, Sporting Kansas City can advance even with a three-goal loss to Deportivo Saprissa on Thursday, while in Group Eight it will be winner-takes-all when Mexico's America face Comunicaciones of Guatemala, with both clubs on seven points at the top of the standings.
In other games, Tauro host DC, New York Red Bulls take on fellow MLS club Montreal, Pachuca travel to Real Espana and Leon will take on Isidro Metapan.
news_articleSun, 19 Oct 2014 04:05:38 +0000270879 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League Wrap: Important win for ComunicacionesComunicaciones claimed an important 2-0 win at Bayamon in the CONCACAF Champions League as Alajuelense were held on Thursday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-review-comunicaciones-win-alajuelense-held
Guatemalans Comunicaciones joined America on seven points in Group Eight after their victory in Puerto Rico.
Jose Contreras scored with an 18th-minute free-kick and William Coito's men sealed their win when Steven Estrada diverted a cross into his own net late on.
Both teams had a man sent off as Bayamon defender Alexis Rivera saw red late in the first half and Contreras was given his marching orders shortly after the break.
It sets up a winner-takes-all final match against Liga MX side America, who are top of the group, on October 21.
Alajuelense climbed to the top of Group Six despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Chorrillo in Panama.
The Costa Rican visitors took the lead through Kenner Gutierrez, but his goal was cancelled out by Sergio Moreno in the first half.
It saw Alajuelense go a point ahead of Cruz Azul, while Chorrillo are eliminated having played all four of their group matches.
news_articleFri, 26 Sep 2014 04:20:34 +0000259062 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: Portland Timbers primed for top spotPortland Timbers are poised to go top of their CONCACAF Champions League group, when they host Alpha United on Tuesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-portland-primed-top-spot
The MLS outfit have won both their matches in the continental competition, the Timbers winning five of their past nine in all competitions.
Portland have also enjoyed great goal-scoring prowess in Group Five, scoring four goals in big wins over United and leaders Olimpia.
The Timbers trail Olimpia on goal difference, but their game in hand against cellar-dwellers Alpha - who they thrashed 4-1 in Guayana in the reverse fixture- is on home soil at Providence Park in Oregon.
Despite some strong form, the Timbers were thrilled to keep a clean sheet in the MLS as they downed the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 on Saturday - their first clean sheet in four matches.
Portland defender Liam Ridgewell said the strong defensive performance - their only two clean sheets in their past eight matches have come against the Whitecaps - was a confidence booster.
"Huge. It's big. This is what we've been looking towards," Ridgewell told the Timbers' official website.
"We got a clean sheet a couple of weeks back and we wanted to build off that.
"I think this week we showed what we can do, to build on that 1-0 lead in the first half."
Also on Tuesday, MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City host Nicaragua's Real Esteli.
Sporting KC top Group Two with four points, although an Esteli victory could see the visitors go from last to first in the three-team group.
On Wednesday, Liga MX side Pachuca are at home to Guatemalan outfit Municipal, MLS club DC United welcome Panama's Tauro, New York Red Bulls are away at Honduras against FAS, and Costa Rica's Herediano and Mexican club Leon go head-to-head.
Puerto Rican strugglers Bayamon FC will look to improve on their woeful defensive record - they have shipped 21 goals in three in the competition - when they host Comunicaciones of Guatemala on Thursday.
Also on Thursday, Panama's Chorrillo host Alajuelense of Costa Rica.
news_articleMon, 22 Sep 2014 06:02:56 +0000256885 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League Wrap: Red Bulls pick up first pointsNew York Red Bulls picked up their first points of the CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday as they saw off FAS 2-0 in New Jersey.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-review-red-bulls-and-running-rodriguez-stars-saprissa
The MLS outfit opened their campaign in front of their home fans and sent them away happy as goals in either half from Saer Sene and Lloyd Samproved too much for the visitors.
Sene took advantage of a Tim Cahill assist to open the scoring after just 11 minutes with a well-placed effort.
However,the hosts were unable to double their lead until late in the game.
Sam finished at the near post after 70 minutesto kill the game off and end FAS'hopes of progression from Group Three- they bow outafter three defeats from as many games.
"I think we proved tonight that we're taking this [competition] seriously," Red Bulls coach Mike Petke said after the game, as his side nowseek to reel in leaders and MLS rivals Montreal Impact.
Deportivo Saprissa had hat-trick heroAriel Rodriguez to thank for their 3-0 victory over Real Esteli in Costa Rica.
The Costa Rica international had his first of the game after 18 minutes and added to his tally twice more in the final 16 minutes to move his side top of the table.
Nicaragua's Real Esteli sit second in the Group Two table.
Comunicaciones and America shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at theEstadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala.
Oribe Peralta opened the scoring after five minutes in the Group Eight clash as the Mexican side appeared on course for a second win of the campaign.
However, Rolando Blackburn levelled shortly before the half-hour mark as the sides remain level on four points in Group Eight.
news_articleWed, 27 Aug 2014 04:57:39 +0000239710 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: Red Bulls looking for winning startNew York Red Bulls should open their CONCACAF Champions League campaign with a win, while America look for another victory.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-red-bulls-look-winning-start
Mike Petke's Red Bulls host El Salvadorian club FAS on Tuesday, looking to put pressure on Group Three leaders Montreal Impact.
The Impact have beaten FAS twice already in the group stages, and the Red Bulls would like to do likewise in their bid to finish top and reach the quarter-finals.
On Saturday, the Red Bulls claimed a 4-2 win over the Impact in MLS after braces from Thierry Henry and Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Henry said his team needed to perform in every game for the rest of the campaign as they eye a play-off place.
"We started well the first 20 minutes. It was typical first half, we weren't good enough," Henry said.
"They scored, then it became difficult because they have quality.
"It was a conference game. We needed to win. We needed to be strong at home. You have to almost win them all right now.
"It was a must-win game, like every game will be until the end of the season."
FAS pushed Montreal in both matches but went down 1-0 in Canada and 3-2 at home.
In Group Eight, five-time champions America visit Guatemala to take on Comunicaciones.
Liga MX leaders America have been in fine form and would fancy their chances of topping the group.
Comunicaciones and America have both outclassed Bayamon FC, the group's bottom side.
Elsewhere, Group One leaders Pachuca of Mexico go to Guatemala to take on second-placed Municipal.
Olimpia are aiming for another win over Alpha United in Group Five, while Alajuelense host Chorrillo in Group Six.
Group Two has seen two draws played out so far with leaders Real Esteli travelling to Deportivo Saprissa on matchday three.
Group Seven's top two – Herediano and Leon – meet on Wednesday.
Jamaican outfit Waterhouse will move top of Group Four if they can claim something at home to Panama's Tauro.
news_articleSun, 24 Aug 2014 04:34:48 +0000237682 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League Wrap: Strong start for ComunicacionesComunicaciones opened their CONCACAF Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory over Bayamon, while debutants Waterhouse won away.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-review-comunicaciones-start-strongly
Rolando Blackburn struck a hat-trick for Comunicaciones as the Guatemalan club stormed to the top of Group Eight, while Waterhouse defeated Tauro 2-1 to claim first position in Group Four.
Comunicaciones blitzed Bayamon in the opening half hour on Thursday, scoring three times, including two goals to Blackburn, while the Panamanian striker added his third just two minutes after half-time.
The Guatemalans missed out on qualifying for the knockout stages of last season's Champions League, finishing six points behind Toluca of Mexico, but William Coito's team gave themselves every chance of progressing this term with a big win at home.
Comunicaciones took the lead in the ninth minute when Jairo Arreola collected an initial right-wing cross on the left-hand side of the box and drilled his pass back across goal for Blackburn to tap in.
The home side had the ball in the back of the net again in the 20th minute when Arreola drilled his shot past Bayamon goalkeeper Maximiliano Torlacoff but the goal was ruled out for a foul.
Comunicaciones did not have to wait much longer for their second goal, however, as Agustin Herrera struck a minute later, finishing off left-back Jorge Aparicio's cross.
Bayamon's right-hand side struggled in the opening half hour and Comunicaciones took advantage again in the 28th minute.
The home team's captain Jose Contreras found space on the left and chipped the ball to the back post for Blackburn to score with his head.
Blackburn effectively wrapped up the win for Coito's side in the 47th minute, getting his head to a corner, after Torlacoff came off his line but missed the ball.
In Panama, local club Tauro failed to complete a late comeback against Waterhouse.
The visitors from Jamaica had hit the front in the second minute through a brilliant free-kick from Romario Campbell and doubled their advantage 17 minutes later when Upston Edwards' driving run set up Damarley Samuels.
But Tauro surged in the second half with Jair Renteria scoring with five minutes left, converting the rebound after Christian Lopez hit the bar.
Rolando Palma's team could not find an equaliser, however, as Waterhouse won on their continental debut.
news_articleFri, 08 Aug 2014 04:16:00 +0000226881 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: Mexican sides set to dominate againThree Liga MX teams will kick off their CONCACAF Champions League group-stage campaigns, with an eye to prolonging Mexicos dominance.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-mexican-sides-set-dominate
A Mexican club have won the competition that covers North America, Central America and the Caribbean for the past nine years, with Cruz Azul the reigning champions.
Seven of those titles were fought out in all-Mexican finals too, with the last club not to hail from the country to win the title being Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica in 2005 - when it was known as the Champions Cup.
Cruz Azul open their title defence against Costa Rican side Alajuelense on Tuesday, but Luis Fernando Tena's men have won just one of their past 10 in all competitions.
The fixture at Ciudad de Mexico will be the first between the two clubs since 1972.
Making up Group 6 is Panamanian club Chorrillo.
Other Liga MX sides starting their campaigns this week include Leon, who are away at El Salvadorian side Isidro Metapan on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, four-time winners Pachuca host Honduran outfit Real Espana.
Tuesday will see another three matches open the tournament, with MLS side Montreal Impact hosting El Salvador's FAS.
Guyana side Alpha United make their group-stage bow at home to Honduras team Olimpia, while Real Esteli - of Nicaragua - welcome Deportivo Saprissa.
On Thursday, Guatemalan club Comunicaciones will tackle Puerto Rican team Bayamon FC, before Jamaican outfit Waterhouse are on the road at Panamanian side Tauro.
news_articleSun, 03 Aug 2014 00:38:25 +0000223561 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League Wrap: San Jose, Kansas reach last eightSan Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City reached the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-wrap-san-jose-kansas-city-reach-last-eight
Chris Wondolowski's 62nd-minute goal saw the Earthquakes to a 1-0 win over Heredia at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The Earthquakes finished top of Group 5, which saw all teams – including the Montreal Impact – level on points.
Knowing a 1-0 win was enough, the Earthquakes held on in California, despite having Clarence Goodson sent off in stoppage time after he picked up a second yellow card.
Sporting Kansas City did what they needed to at home to Olimpia, playing out a 0-0 draw against the Honduran side.
It kept the MLS side top of Group 2 – a point ahead of Olimpia – and ensured they advanced to the quarter-finals.
Toluca progressed from Group 6 after hammering Guatemalan side Comunicaciones 5-1 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.
Raul Nava and Edgar Benitez both scored braces for the Mexicans and Erbin Trejo netted the other goal in the comprehensive win.
Nava got on the end of a Gabriel Velasco pass to score just six minutes in and Benitez doubled the advantage midway through the half.
Jean Marquez pulled a goal back for the visitors on 55 minutes with a tremendous free-kick but their chances were ended soon after.
A clever run led to Trejo's goal before Benitez and Nava made it a thrashing.
Honduras' Victoria finished Group 7 without a point after slumping to a 4-1 loss at home to Firpo.
With both teams unable to qualify, El Salvadorian side Firpo scored three times in the final 22 minutes to clinch the easy win.
news_articleThu, 24 Oct 2013 04:48:57 +000076674 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: America, Cruz Azul progression pendingCruz Azul and America face group-stage exits from the CONCACAF Champions League ahead of crucial matches.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-america-cruz-azul-progression-pending
In Group 3, Cruz Azul - five-time winners of the competition - only need an honourable loss at home to Herediano at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto on Tuesday.
The visitors must win 3-0 or better to progress into the knockout stages.
The Mexicans are top of the table by three points and won the previous meeting between the teams in Mexico City 3-0.
In Cameroonian attacker Achille Emana (three goals), Cruz Azul have one of the competition's top-scorers this season.
Coming into the clash after a crucial Liga MX meeting with leaders America on Saturday, coach Guillermo Vazquez may have big selection decisions to make.
Herediano will need goals in front of their home fans and have had no problems scoring in the league this season.
On the final matchday of the group stages, all bar two places remain up for grabs.
America, also five-time champions, are going to need a win to advance from Group 4.
They host Costa Rican group leaders Alajuelense at the Estadio Azteca and a 1-0 victory will be enough because of their superior goal difference.
There are three MLS sides also chasing a place in the quarter-finals.
The Houston Dynamo only need a draw at Panama's Arabe Unido to progress to the last eight from Group 1.
Sporting Kansas City are in a similar situation in Group 2 as they prepare to host Honduras' Olimpia, with a point all they need.
But the San Jose Earthquakes need a victory at home to Guatemala's Heredia to finish top of Group 5.
Toluca are in prime position to advance from Group 6 ahead of their meeting at home to Comunicaciones of Guatemala.
Tijuana and the Los Angeles Galaxy are the only two teams already through, with the latter visiting Isidro Metapan in Group 8.
Victoria and Luis Angel Firpo do battle in Group 7, which will be topped by Tijuana regardless of the result.
news_articleSun, 20 Oct 2013 00:53:32 +000075303 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: Galaxy on verge of quarter-final spotLA Galaxy can qualify for the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League by avoiding defeat against Cartagines.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-galaxy-tijuana-verge-progression
Bruce Arena's side currently top Group Eight and lead their opponents by two points, having played a games less.
Galaxy currently sit fourth in the MLS Western Conference and have been in formidable form in the Champions League, winning both of their games so far without conceding a goal, while Cartagines have a mixed record.
The Costa Rican side have won, drawn and lost once in their group, with that defeat coming against the Galaxy in August.
In Group Seven, Tijuana can also make sure of their progression with just a point, as they face winless Victoria.
The Mexican side are unbeaten in the competition so far, although defeat to the Honduran side would allow Firpo to leapfrog them when they play their final group game in October.
Three points for either Alajuelense or Sporting San Miguelito when the pair meet would move them level on points with Group Four leaders America, with the Costa Rican side Alajuelense having played a game less than their two group rivals.
Cruz Azul will be favourites going into their Group Three clash with bottom side Valencia, having won both their games so far. While Valencia have no hope of qualification, the Liga MX outfit can move three points clear at the top and bolster their hopes of progression.
Heredia can book their place in the next stage with a win over Group Five's bottom side Montreal Impact while Olimpia will look to keep their hopes of progression alive from Group Two with victory over Real Esteli.
MLS outfit Houston Dynamo will leapfrog Arabe Unido to the top of Group One with a win against bottom side W Connection of Trinidad and Tobago after the Americans beat the leaders 2-1 last month.
In Group Six, Comunicaciones need to win both their remaining games, starting against Caledonia AIA, if they are to catch leaders Toluca.
news_articleSun, 22 Sep 2013 16:49:29 +000063075 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League Wrap: Mexican sides claim winsMexicos Cruz Azul are top of Group 3 in the CONCACAF Champions League after a 3-0 win against Costa Ricas Herediano.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-wrap-mexican-sides-claim-wins
The Mexicans did all the hard work in the first half with Jair Pereira firing in the opener on 32 minutes.
Goals in the shadows of half-time from Mariano Pavone and Gerardo Torrado sealed the victory for Cruz Azul.
Mexican side Toluca got their second win in as many games in Group 6 as they outlasted Guatemala's Comunicaciones 2-1 after an early flurry of goals.
Toluca secured an early lead as Raul Nava fired in the first on 17 minutes before the Guatemalans struck back through Minor Lopez two minutes later.
The winner was scored from the penalty spot by Juan Cacho in the 27th minute as Toluca held on for victory with their job made easier by the sending off of Comunicaciones defender Jose Contreras in the second half.
Panama's Sporting San Miguelito managed to overcome Costa Rica's Alajuelense 1-0 at the Estadio Rommel.
John Pretelt scored the only goal of the contest as San Miguelito avenged their loss to Club America in their first Group 4 match.
news_articleFri, 23 Aug 2013 06:07:03 +000045538 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCONCACAF Champions League: Cruz Azul start against HeredianoFive-time CONCACAF Champions League winners Cruz Azul begin their 2013-14 campaign by taking on Herediano on Thursday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/concacaf-champions-league-preview-cruz-azul-start-against-herediano
The Mexican club, who are present by virtue of their runner-up finish in the 2013 Clausura, remain the joint-most successful club in the history of North America's premier cup competition.
But they have not tasted success in the tournament since 1997, and will be keen to get off to a good start when they host the reigning Costa Rican champions - who beat Valencia 6-1 in their first game.
Another Mexican side, two-time champions Toluca, are also in action on Thursday, as they travel to take on Comunicaciones of Guatemala at Estadio Cementos Progreso hoping to follow up their 3-1 win over Caledonia AIA.
Two American teams will get their campaigns under way in the latest round of fixtures, with LA Galaxy taking on Cartagines at the Stubhub Center, while Houston Dynamo face W Connection in Trinidad and Tobago.
The other Major League Soccer representatives have been drawn together in Group 5, but San Jose Earthquakes will be unable to bounce back from their defeat to Montreal Impact as they sit out while the Canadian side face Heredia of Guatemala.
Elsewhere, Sporting San Miguelito of Panama and Nicaragua's Real Esteli need to recover from losing their first matches when they face Alajuelense and Olimpia respectively.
And Olimpia's fellow Hondurans Victoria meet Tijuana of Mexico at Estadio Municipal Celibeno Nilmo.
news_articleMon, 19 Aug 2013 19:09:45 +000044747 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com